Construction of Railroad

Submitted by Donnie Pickard

Van Buren County paper, July 13, 1882

[Missed first part of article]

The distance of the proposed railroad from Little Rock to the point where it enters the state is about one hundred and fifty or one hundred and seventy-five miles. It is estimated that the cost of construction will be about three million dollars, and five per cent, of the stock has already been subscribed and paid. The gentlemen interested in the new enterprise are nearly all identical with the Frisco line, several northwest Arkansians, however, putting down their names for one share of the stock each, so as to comply with the law.

This railroad will open up a fine county and make tributary to our city some of the finest land in our state.

A few words in reference to the several counties which it will tap is of interest at this time.

Boone County has a population of 12, 137, and its seat of government is Harrison, a thriving, prosperous inland city. The soil is generally rich, there being quite a number of very rich prairies and innumerable creek valleys of surprising fertility.

Marion County is east of Boone, and the county seat is Yellville, a good business point. The soil as a rule is fertile and there are a number of prairies and considerable bottom land.

Searcy County is south of Marion, and has a population of only 7278. Its county seat is Marshall, a small and unimportant place. The country is generally mountainous. There are, however large tracts of fertile soil, known locally as cave lands. It is of a black color and very rich.

Van Buren County has 9565 inhabitants, and Clinton is the county seat. It is South of Searcy County, and as a rule very much broken, rich creek and river valleys abounding.

Conway County, south of Van Buren, has a population of 12, 751, and is growing rapidly. Lewisburg (one mile from Morrilton) is the county seat. It is a good county, and already sends considerable trade to Little Rock.

Faulkner county, our neighbor on the north, we are well acquainted with. Conway is the county seat, and the population is 12,785.

---[Little Rock Democrat]